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About the Author

Rabbi Shraga Simmons spent his childhood trekking through snow in Buffalo, New York. He holds a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. In 1997 he became the founding editor of Aish.com, and later the founder and director of the Torah study website, JewishPathways.com.

An expert on media bias, Simmons was the founding editor of HonestReporting.com, building it into a leading database of pro-Israel activists, where his work was cited by the New York Times as effecting sweeping changes in Mideast media coverage. He is the author of the definitive treatment of the topic, David & Goliath: The Explosive Inside Story of Media Bias in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (2012), which James Taranto of the Wall Street Journal calls "of crucial importance for the future of the Middle East."

In 2012, Simmons produced the critically-acclaimed short film, "Red Line on Iran," outlining a peaceful solution to stopping nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.

Rabbi Simmons currently serves as the Director of Aish Communications, handling all marketing, public relations and media activities for Aish HaTorah International.

Visitor Comments: 62

(40)
zvi symons,
May 30, 2011 9:55 AM

how to petition in . FACEBOOK

Please give instructions on HOW to petition to FACEBOOK. ALSO.I believe we are the chosen people,BUT not just to say this to all other people and anger them against US.
We were chosen to spread the word of G-D and try to show all that it is the BEST way to live, BUT we do-not do this (in Israel or outside). I am ashamed for us, when i see(some) Israelis outside of Israel.and the way they act,Talk, and think that they can do any ,and every thing.We should be setting an example to the rest of the World.. WE DO but in the wrong way..

(39)
Jacob O'Brien,
April 22, 2011 1:56 PM

When did Israel EXACTLY become the bad guy?

I mean, really, has no one outside of the Jewish population read the Torah and the Tanakh? G-d gave the Jews Eretz Yisrael. Not to the Arabs or anyone else. The Jews. Jews are G-d's beloved. Threatening to kill us when we have done nothing to warrant murder only incites His anger, so I say let them scream all they like, yet at the same time, we cannot let the Muslims develop into another Nazi regime. We're always the world's "perfect scapegoat".

(38)
Anonymous,
April 12, 2011 5:58 PM

The new stormtroopers

The so-called Jihadis and their sympathizers are just a continuation of Hitler's plan. Muslims have a long history of collaborating with Nazis. They will see the same fate.
Furthermore they deny their Koran-"And thereafter We said to the Children of Israel:Dwell securely in the Promised Land.And when the last warning comes to pass,we will gather you together in a mingled crowd."Koran(17:104,The Night Journey). Is your shirt black or brown?

(37)
sheila,
April 11, 2011 11:58 PM

The nasty anti-Jewish statements are unacceptable. The writers are incredibly ignorant of history. You believe the persistent lies of anti-semitic hatemongers and do not try to verify facts. Israel has NEVER targeted innocent civilians. They are one of few countries who have such a policy.Yes, children have been caught in the crossfire,but never done purposefully. Have a very few soldiers been found guilty of crimes.? That occurs in this country. Israel is hated precisely because they believe in morality and decency. I am heartsick to hear the lies in the comments by U-tube followers. Seek to learn the truth. I know it is incredible that journalists do not always tell the truth, but often they do not have immediate access to the facts. Goldstone's retraction of blaming Israel for war crimes now should prove to you that the truth usually comes out, but news stories that are inaccurate must be evaluated based on the reputation of the country. Israel does not engage in war crimes,nor horrible acts as purported by Palestinians or even the BBC or Reuters. Hard to believe but true.Both have miosreported time and time again. Check it out.

(36)
Yaak,
April 7, 2011 7:06 PM

what facebook did was wrong, but what are we doing here? collectivively badmouthing muslims? when weas th chosen people start lowerng our standards to that of others, the world has no hope P.S. intafada doesnt mean uprising it means 'to shake, to seperate' the irst intafad was the palestinians declaring they weren't a part of israeli society altogether, nt that they were part of it but felt they were lower class s uprising

(35)
Unsospiro,
April 5, 2011 7:20 PM

Get to know Islam for what it is

Since its inception 1400 years ago, Islam has been responsible for bloodshed, killing more than 270 million people and going strong. They threaten to kill those who wish to leave Islam. They have produced nothing for people on our earth except hardship, hate, destruction. Their goals are to kill more: Jews, Christians, they have already caused cultures to disappear - Zoroastrians, Hindus, Buddhists, and others who originally lived in the Middle East. Look at how the face of Europe has changed in just the past 20 years. We must not allow them to get Israel or Europe or U.S. - never allow their sharia law to be used in our democracy - or it will be our downfall.

(34)
Antonio Perez,
April 4, 2011 6:50 PM

What is an Intifada?

This is not an "uprising" against Israel. These people are not on a jihad. These are murderers hiding behind Islam and "freedom from oppression". Did you hear about the Sufi Mosque which was bombed by the Taliban in Pakistan? These people are murdering criminals, their acts reveal their true self.

(33)
Emmanuel Fidel,
April 4, 2011 4:33 PM

Face Book ! Evil face?

Pleas facebook dont be any evil face, dont be a tool to promote evil or voilence of any kind..STOP ANY POSTINGS that encourages Intifada....

(32)
eman,
April 4, 2011 3:19 PM

islam rules

we will be back and israel will go to hell

Seth,
April 4, 2011 4:11 PM

Israel in hell?

I think hell is overcrowded due to all those idiots who blew themselves up for the sake of "martyrdom". Do everyone a favor and kill yourselves all at once and we'll call you martyrs and you can enjoy your virgins. Everyone wins!

patrica and edward jones,
April 5, 2011 7:50 AM

what is an Intifada

Well Seth - if we could only convince these heinous monsters once and for all to 'go to hell' but on their own because that is their choice- hands off the innocents of whatever creed. No one is at liberty to interfere with another's incarnation. Karma prevails.

Anonymous,
April 4, 2011 9:26 PM

really?

really? israel will go to hell for having their innocent children butchered in their sleep by cold blooded creatures like yourselves? really israel will go to hell for protecting its civilians when the'righteous palestinians' use their children for protection as bomb shields? ew, you are so gross.

Anonymous,
April 5, 2011 8:47 PM

the devil speaks through you

You people! You have allowed yourselves to be tools of evil.How will you face God with all this soul consuming hatred within you?You should fall on your knees and beg for God's forgiveness before you are consumed by your own blind fury.You truly are dead in your soul.

ben,
April 7, 2011 10:06 AM

Well that says it all!

All we as Jews and as a nation seek is peace, hence the call for the abolihsment of any hate orientated ads on favebook. What we recieve in return is 'we will be back and israel will go to hell' - no facts no statistics adding weight to anything that is said, just a simple mesage of deep founded baseless hatred.

Barbedwire,
April 7, 2011 6:50 PM

Back in hell?

You might be back but it won't be Israel going to hell.

arnon,
April 8, 2011 5:45 PM

eman

only time will tell where iislam is going and its not going to hell there is no room there from all the muslems that die a HOLLE date (so called by you)
arabs are arabs and nothing will change them

Anonymous,
April 8, 2011 7:52 PM

what lingo is that?

eman, you don't sound like an Islamic, you are using christian lingo "Israel will go to hell" So who is the "we" you are talking about? And really, spelling Islam with a little i, real reverence isn't it? You didn't fool me one bit! You need an interpreter, otherwise you also are the "people of the book" go and ask your Iman what I mean, if you even have one.

Grimaldo,
April 10, 2011 1:29 AM

Let it be known to all radical Muslims that born again Christians like me stand with Israel no matter the consequences and if they want another Intifada lets give them another Crusade

dheila,
April 12, 2011 12:02 AM

hateful evil person

Palestinians who finally had the opportunity to learn the TRUTH have turned against your evil propaganda. The numbers are few because you are not able to access historical fact. If you believe in Allah, you will suffer for your evil in the next life.

(31)
ezra sofair,
April 4, 2011 1:23 PM

right on

chazack vebaruch.right on!!!

(30)
Ana McCarthy,
April 4, 2011 11:17 AM

CORRECTION: This is not a 1st. Amendment issue where Freedom of Speech applies.

CORRECTION
Dear Aish:
"There is no First Amendment right to free speech in the private realm," [...] "This isn't a freedom-of-speech issue. Facebook is free to set the standard that they wish." Brian Cuban

(29)
Jules,
April 4, 2011 10:49 AM

Who is our enemy in the US?

Can Facebook be America's most dangerous enemy?

(28)
angeline george,
April 4, 2011 10:25 AM

pslam121 speaks of God's protection for the jews and i know that the enemy comes like a flood, he who watches over israel neither sleeps nor slumbers. oh israel, the eternal God is your refuge, stand strong for you are the apple of God's eye. victory is yours!

(27)
Chava Polistchuk,
April 4, 2011 10:09 AM

starting out a Jewis facebook

How about the Jews getting out of facebook and starting our own similar thing, just w/o anti semitism? I think that Shabat.com is working on something like that.

(26)
HCJ,
April 4, 2011 9:45 AM

Israel is Israel, הידד ישראל

We should annex all our jewish territories which G-d (BHS) gave to us. Build our Beith Miqdash and just trow all those that hate us completely out of Eretz Yisrael,
ישראל היא הארץ שלנו לא ערבי

Yaak,
April 7, 2011 7:12 PM

you think that will happen without many more incidents like the one Itamar happening, I have not even been in the army yet but I pray that if and when I have children they will not have to witness the fighting we have, we should be thankful for what we have, declare the whole of Jerusalem as our capital and then wait for G-d to return the rest of Israel

(25)
Suzanne Utts,
April 4, 2011 2:02 AM

CUFI

There are many more Christians who pray for Israel than just those who belong to John Hagee's organization, though his group is a good one. Please know that you have lots of friends among the non-Jewish population here in the US.

(24)
ARLENE ABRAMS,
April 3, 2011 11:32 PM

RECOGNIZE FIRST

People must recognize and realize the danger. Until our country and others already feeling the pain of the hate......speak against it.............it will continue and grow.

(23)
Anonymous,
April 3, 2011 9:46 PM

I am terribly upset that "Facebook" is not more aware of the previous Intifadas and the distruction of life and limb. Facebook needs to be more aware of what is being posted before it is posted.

(22)
Anonymous,
April 3, 2011 6:37 PM

The sad truth

There will never be peace in the Middle East. After a week of arguing with several rabid Muslims, I have concluded that nothing is going to change. The Arab mindset cannot grasp a cogent, logical argument so they just keep regurgitating the same old anti-semitic vitriol. They cannot stand the idea of a bunch of Jews living amongst them nor can they handle their losses from 1967 or 1973. Until the Islamic faith is willing to take a good hard inward look at how screwed up their faith is, nothing is going to change. The hatred and vitriol will continue and no matter was FB does or does not do will make no difference.

Shirl in Oz,
April 4, 2011 1:40 AM

The Koran, Hadith and Sura

There will never be peace whilst they have verses in the above like..
* "O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends".(Qur'an (5:51)
* Infidels are your sworn enemies (Sura 4:101).
* Be ruthless to the infidels (Sura 48:29).
* Make war on the infidels who dwell around you (Sura 9:123, 66:9).
* Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day (Sura 9:29).
* Strike off the heads of infidels in battle (Sura 47:4).
* Take neither the Jews nor the Christians for your friends (Sura 5:51, 60:13).
* Never be a helper to the disbelievers (Sura 28:86).
* Kill the disbelievers wherever we find them (Sura 2:191).
* The only reward of those who make war upon Allah and His messenger will be that they will be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet on alternate sides cut off, or will be expelled out of the land (Sura 5:33).

(21)
BRADLEY ORTLOFF,
April 3, 2011 6:31 PM

THIRD IN INTIFADA

FACEBOOK TOOK ONE DOWN THEY OPENED ANOTHER. IT ALSO HAS A BACK UP THAT MAKES 2 ,THIRD INTIFADA PAGES STILL UP

(20)
David Waldman,
April 3, 2011 6:24 PM

Keep up the good work.

Sometimes I'm sure you feel as we all do that you are banging your head on the wall even as you celebrate minor victories like getting Facebook to remove the call for the 3rd Intifada. But less skilled writers like me absolutely need skilled writers like you to continue. I can only offer my thanks.

(19)
Anonymous,
April 3, 2011 6:21 PM

Thank you thank you thank you.

The best. Please, keep it coming.

(18)
Julie,
April 3, 2011 5:54 PM

Pray for Jerusalem.

My heart and spirit goes out to the Jews. I'm so sad
there are people who could be so mean! It's makes
me sick, the Jews could be so mistreated. It amazing,
the Jewish people on the news, always seem so in
control, not angry ,hate spewing animals. I admire them.
I'll always pray and respect them. God bless the Jews,
and yes, even our enimies. USA

Carole,
April 3, 2011 9:36 PM

God bless and protect Israel!

I agree with you, it`s satan`s last stand againsy God`s chosen people and it is fulfilling bible prophecy!
Having said that, it`s horrible to watch but we know the end of the book! We win!!

(17)
anna feiman,
April 3, 2011 5:44 PM

non-jews should receive this letter as well as jew

now far is freedom of speech goes?

(16)
Sinai Grossman,
April 3, 2011 4:54 PM

Free Speech: how free and fair is it?

The sad truth is that the world of Islam has been taking advantage of the gullible West. It evolved, adapted and learned to use unfairly the most basic western ethics, its principles and its liberal policies to its fullest advantage and to the detriment of the West and its society and interests. Namely, individual liberty, persuit of happiness, freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, the right of vote etc' etc' - non existent in their past homeland countries but strongly practiced by them to their advantage in their host countries.
At the same time running "democratic elections" (what a ploy?) in their homeland countries so as to strengthen the political power base of Islamic fundamentalist movements and other elements opposing the West. I.E: Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon and Gaza and going forward, who knows, possibly Egypt, Tunis, Libya, Yemen, Syria, Jordan and the Gulf states Saudi Arabia included. If history is any guide given a chance they will do it.
The West is too fearful, too slow, too weak to "sleepy" recognize it and to take the strong measures required to stop this drainage - so it does next to nothing. It is inflexible, rigid and lacks the will power and the required pragmatic approach to deal with this grave issue. No necessary adjustments and changes are being made to meet the challenge - the challenge of the increasingly growing power of Islam as a political power in Europe, North and South America and Africa..
As it stands there are a few exceptions - Australia being one of them. When will the West wake up? When it will be too late?

(15)
David Pickman,
April 3, 2011 4:45 PM

The identical page has been copied and posted

The original Third Infitada page has been copied and posted by hundreds, if not thousands of paletinians. Facebook needs to make an outright ban on any pages calling for infitada

(14)
H L Tobin,
April 3, 2011 4:39 PM

Intifada

The world will not care unless the Jewish people suffer the same fate as our bretheren in the Shoa.,otherwise their only Jews

(13)
Paul,
April 3, 2011 4:37 PM

Everyone should sign the petition

Excellent video, everyone should sign the petition demanding that Facebook stop the incitement and hatred.

(12)
Frank Adam,
April 3, 2011 3:44 PM

Rights of Man Art IV

Because the US founding documents (1776 and 1787) are that bit earlier than the French Revolution and the Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789) there is a tendency to not use them as much as Jews in the English speaking world should, especially when dealing with European left and liberals. Ditto the UN and Council of Europe Declarations of Universal Human Rights.
Art IV is on the ground floor of the Enlightenment and has to be recognised by all who strive for justice that liberty has always had conditions: " Political liberty consists of being able to do what one wishes only limited by not preventing others enjoying these same natural rights" Arts 29.3 and 30 of the UN (1948)Declaration & Art 17 of the European (1950) outlaw any misuse of any clause of the Decllaration in order to obstruct or deny the aims and purposes of the UN and the Declaration. As such it should be repeatedly cited at the stream of Arab resolutions geared to harassing Israel, given it is UN aims and purposes to have a Jewish State (UN 181) .

(11)
ruth,
April 3, 2011 3:01 PM

good thing you spoke out

about time that aish spoke out and others should follow your lead. there is no escuse for silence while we are under vicious attack.i have a dream that when the millions come marching upon us here in jerusalem(where i live) that the ground will just swallow them up. now why dont you put out a video of that and frighten the living hell out of the cowardly arab murderers.

(10)
darlene,
April 3, 2011 2:03 PM

this should be where everyone can see it

This shouldn't just be for Aish subscribers.
It's important to put this out where everyone can see it.

(9)
grydve,
April 3, 2011 2:02 PM

I am on Israels side. The winning side.

(8)
ruth housman,
April 3, 2011 1:48 PM

FACEBOOK

I understood that finally, following a massive wave of protest, that Facebook HAD TAKEN THIS OFF.
It boggles my mind that this was allowed to happen, and to my knowledge a Jew was involved in not barring this instantly.
It seems our world is non sensical, and worse, Dangerous.
This should NEVER have been allowed. Facebook had a policy about terrorism and the fomenting of hate, and to my knowledge disregarded its own internal rules.

(7)
Hashmi,
April 3, 2011 1:39 PM

ignorant

every1 here got to say somthin but why they r not thinking that why muslims r trying to do it this is not jewish land there land is only hell every jewish child should be killed brutally not because islam told us to do it because u make us to do it and it will happen dont take this word intifada seriously u can call it a new holocaust and im anxiously waitin to watch it on tv at home i will be throwing big parties every day and watch all the happenings bloody zionist and hilarious jews dying every moment on my big LCD tv ! why dont u go back to Germany or some where in central Africa ! islam will prevail and no jew will be left just wait and watch!

Dina,
April 4, 2011 10:12 AM

TO HASHMI

Sorry, my Ishmaelite cousin, that's not the way G-d's word says it will happen.... You live in your delusions, so you will die in your delusions, too. Your blood will have been shed for absolutely nothing, going out to attack G-d's chosen people. "Those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse her will themselves be cursed". Believe me, the parties will be taking place on the Jewish side and on the side of all lovers of Zion and haters of the intolerance and savagery!

hrothgar,
April 5, 2011 8:37 PM

You wicked ,ignorant monster.

Hashmi--you are a wicked individual ,whether man or woman i know not;I'll assume you are male .I won't say a man.This land is most certainly not your land;it never was.It was taken by the Moslem hordes by blood and terror from the Jews and Christians who had lived there for many,many years.The Arabian warlord,Muhammed,cut and murdered his way through all of Eastern Christendom and Jewry,causing. mayhem amoungst people who had lived in peace and prosperity.It is Islam that forced Jews and Christians into dhimmitude,they were the first to insist that Jews wore a distinctive yellow badge,pre-dating Hitlerism by 1200 years.You talk of God in the same breath as you scream death and bitter hatred against a people who have done you no harm and just seek to live in peace in the land of their ancestors.Do you really think God approves of you?But you know nothing of God,the loving father of mankind.Your creed is hatred,cruelty death,destruction.you will,one day fall into the hands of the living God.It will be a terrible thing for you unless you repent and turn from your evil ways.

Sue,
April 8, 2011 7:27 PM

Hashmi is worried

Are you a little worried you will be next on the holocaust list and you know it? Fundamentalists do not represent the Islamic mainstream. Fundamentalist Islam is the last straw of an old traditional way of life that is rapidly dying. The Islamic Revolution is a males outburst against the gradual, irreversible LIBERATION of WOMEN and the Westernization of the Muslim home. Hashmi, you do not represent the mainstream of the Muslim world and their home life. You are worried what is coming against the Fundamentalists, and you are RIGHT to be worried!

(6)
Scott William Campbell,
April 3, 2011 7:42 AM

Face Book allows promotion by any induvigle

Face book allows users to promote the topics they choose. I will prove it to you If you want I will start a page on it or tell someone how to do it considering considering face book allows only one page per page. Oh though I might be wrong about that.

Paul,
April 3, 2011 1:35 PM

There are many more

There are hundreds of simmillar pages.... I have reported them daily... but yet they just keep on growing, and FB does nothing....

(5)
hrothgar,
April 2, 2011 1:30 PM

Islam must change or be defeated

i believe that we all know,in our hearts,that the desire for Islam to conquer the world and destroy all those who will not submit to the islamic doctrine will never end unless Islam goes through a fundamental change from within or is beaten once and for all time.There is no immediate prospect of any change with Islam;in fact it's influence is spreading as more amd more Moslems move in to the West.The western peoples are sleep-walking into islamification,lulled into a false security by Moslem apologists in the western elite and media.The EU is a major danger here.They not only want to bring Turkey into Europe,which will see a massive increas in moslem influence,but through the Euro-Arab dialogue the Eu is actively wooing powerful Islamic countries in order to secure interests in that area.The Eu has agreed to pursue a pro Arab line in relation to Israel and in return for trade deals,oil and fear of jihad has agreed to allow moslem immigrants to create functioning,seperate societies in Europe.This in time will see Europe's ability to act in areas concerning the middle east severely curtailed.The Eu believes Islam can be tamed by consumerism,it can't.Sometime in the not to distant future Sharia will be established in European regions and looking ahead 50-75 years,Islam will have a very strong voice in European policies and actions.Time is short.But what shall we do.?Firstly Israel must pressure the US to take a more realistic world view of Islam and toughen up with saudi Arabia,Iran and Pakistan.Israel must pressure the Eu to adopt a more pro Israeli stance and continually publicise the ever growing threat to ,not just Israel, the whole of the free world.If America wakes up,Britain will follow and then possibly Europe.Let us hope it is not too late.This is our "Gates of Vienna" time.Will we fail .?Only God knows

Anonymous,
April 3, 2011 10:03 AM

you have the clarity to understand!

This is one writer that I have seen with the necessary clarity to understand the current Islamic/Moslem mindset and where they are leader the whole world into a fratricidal warfare. The west and all men of goodwill must wake up to this real and present danger. Muslims themselves should re-examine their theology. They should realize that it is not possible to spread their religion with war in this nuclear age and still remain alive to practice it.

dannykid,
April 3, 2011 2:43 PM

why israel?

israel should pressure the us?
israel should pressure the eu?
you then say: "this is OUR gates of vienna time"; "will WE fail?"
it is you, it is anonymous, it is i, it is we who should pressure all our leaders to help israel defend itself and help us all.

hrothgar,
April 4, 2011 5:24 PM

Why it must be Israel

Dannykid It is a hard truth that Britain in the EU is part of the problem;the same Moslem apologists govern Britain as Europe.It is difficult for Britain to put pressure on itself especially when a lot of people are ignorant of the state of affairs and the real history of Moslem/Israeli conflict.It is different in America. The jewish vote has more influence and America traditionally support Israel and hasn't fallen away from that support as Europe has.Only Israel can bring the reality of her victimisation by Islam to the world by intense lobbying of America and Europe.They must ensure that every atrocity and outrage committed by these people is fully publicised and spread world wide.America holds the key to this .They must be continually reminded that Israel is her only friend in the region and the last bastion of democracy and reason.Saudi must be put in the spotlight and it's abuses high-lighted.The propaganda from Hamas and the other jihadist rabble must be vigorously opposed and never stop telling the world about their wickedness.Get all American and European Jewry inolved;publicise your case far more vigorously than you do now.At the moment only those who are interested in Israel know what is happening;everyone must have it thrust under their nose.If America adopts a harder stance with those who fund the terrorists they will find it hard to operate.Israel must let America and Europe know that she will not give an inch until violence stops and her enemies are denied the ability to resume hostilities.It must be the Israeli government that does this because they are the ones in the firing line.Perhaps then America will wake up to the moslem threat in it's entirety.When it does the West will follow.The British political class is muddled at this time.It needs to start thinking clearly ; at the moment there is no voice for those who oppose the ever growing threat of Islam.The it's a religion of peace party hold sway.I'm afraid it must be Israel.

montlasky,
April 3, 2011 3:15 PM

Well put!! What can we effectively do about the Jihadists?

hrothgar has said it all.The Jihadists are a blood thirsty,death-loving cult that would have made James Manson's cult look like an innocent parlor game. How many times have we been told to wake up! before the door closes on any opportunity we have left of cutting off the snake's head........

Anonymous,
April 3, 2011 5:44 PM

Agree

I could not agree with you more. Thank-you for putting things in perspective. I hope more than me are listening.

(4)
Anonymous,
April 1, 2011 5:37 PM

More than just Israel

There are calls for violence on Facebook that are beyond the borders of Israel. My husband, who is serving in Iraq, was sent with his platoon to protect a government building after Intelligence got word that a Facebook movement sprung up that called for Iraqi citizens to uprise on a certain date. The expected number or Iraqis to revolt?? 150,000...against my husband and a handfull of soldiers to protect a building. Thank G-d the uprising never happened. He is comming home on Tuesday.

(3)
Sharon,
April 1, 2011 7:34 AM

Thank you Rabbi Simmons

You have once again created an important video which will hopefully spread your message far and wide. That there are anti-Israel fanatics who incite to violence against Israel and Jews is not surprising. That the executives at FB would wish to paint a prettier picture thus enabling our enemies is very troubling. Like you said, everyone must take a stand and will one day be judged by it.

(2)
Anonymous,
March 31, 2011 11:37 PM

Please remove all facebook pages which call for violence!!

(1)
Suzanne Pomeranz,
March 31, 2011 7:51 PM

"Intifada"

Well done. I'll be sharing it on Facebook.
BUT - the word "intifada" implies spontaneity. The terrorism that began in September 2000 was NOT spontaneous at all but was well planned by Arafat & his cronies (including Abbas).
What is being promoted now on FB and elsewhere is also, obviously, NOT spontaneous but is being well-planned by those who participated previously - Abbas, others in Fatah, the PLO and now, HAMAS, etc.
So - while, we MUST do what we can to keep it off FB and other such sites, we must also do whatever we can to educate our own populace in Israel and others around the world in what this means not only for Israel but will, in the very near future, mean also for them all Jews everywhere... and also Christians!

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...